How to Choose a Tax Pro?

Q: Where can I find more tax-season tips?

You can find more tips on the IRS website and on our blog/news resources, where we share practical guidance for staying organized and avoiding common tax-season issues.

February 20, 2026

How to Pick a Tax Pro You Can Trust (IRS Checklist + Local Tips for Monroe, WA)

If you’re getting ready to file your federal tax return and thinking about hiring help, the IRS has a clear message: even when you work with a paid preparer, you are still responsible for the information on your return.

That’s why it’s worth taking a few minutes to vet the person (or firm) preparing your taxes.

Below is a practical, easy-to-follow guide based on IRS guidance, plus a few real-world tips we share with clients here in Monroe, Washington.

Important note: This article is for general informational purposes only and isn’t tax or legal advice.

Why choosing the right tax pro matters
The IRS checklist for choosing a tax professional
Red flags the IRS says to avoid
Questions to ask before you hire a tax preparer
What to bring to your tax appointment
How Your Local Bookkeeper helps (Monroe, WA)
FAQ

Why Choosing the Right Tax Pro Matters

A trustworthy tax professional can help you file accurately, reduce surprises, and keep your records organized for the long haul. The wrong preparer can create bigger problems than they solve—like avoidable delays, mistakes, missed deductions, or even fraud risk.

If you want year-round support (not just a quick “tax season transaction”), it helps to work with a team that also understands your books. If you’re a business owner, that often means pairing tax prep with consistent bookkeeping.

If you’re looking for a local team, you can learn more about bookkeeping and tax services for Monroe, WA individuals and small businesses and how we support clients throughout the year.

The IRS Checklist for Choosing a Tax Professional

The IRS Tax Tip “Quick tips for picking a tax pro” highlights several key areas to review before you hire someone. Here’s what those tips mean in plain English, plus what to look for in practice.

1) Choose a preparer who’s available after filing season

The IRS recommends choosing a preparer who will be available after the return is filed in case questions come up later. That matters if you receive a letter, need clarification, or want to amend a return. If you want ongoing support, explore ongoing bookkeeping and tax preparation services designed for year-round peace of mind.

2) Understand service fees (and avoid “refund percentage” pricing)

Ask how fees are calculated and what’s included. The IRS specifically warns taxpayers to avoid preparers who base fees on a percentage of your refund. A good fee structure should be transparent, understandable, and tied to the work being performed—not the size of your refund.

3) Make sure they offer IRS e-file

The IRS encourages taxpayers to use preparers who offer IRS e-file. E-filing can help speed processing, and the IRS notes that most refunds are issued in fewer than 21 days when taxpayers file electronically, choose direct deposit, and file a complete and accurate return.

If you’re focused on faster processing, you may also like our related post: why filing your tax return early can help you get refunds faster and reduce fraud risk.

4) A good preparer will ask for records and receipts

The IRS notes that good preparers ask to see records and receipts so they can complete the return accurately. If someone is willing to “guess” without documentation, that’s a strong signal to slow down and reconsider.

5) Understand credentials and qualifications

The IRS recommends understanding your preparer’s credentials and qualifications and checking their history for complaints or disciplinary actions. This is especially important if your situation involves a small business, multiple income streams, self-employment, rental activity, or major life changes.

6) Review the return before you sign

The IRS strongly recommends reviewing your tax return before signing. Ask questions if something seems unclear or incorrect. And never sign a blank or incomplete return.

7) Confirm bank account details so refunds go to you

The IRS advises taxpayers to make sure any refund goes directly into the taxpayer’s bank account—not the preparer’s account. Always review the routing number and account number on the completed return.

8) Verify your preparer has a valid PTIN and signs the return

The IRS reminds taxpayers that anyone paid to prepare (or assist in preparing) federal tax returns must have a valid Preparer Tax Identification Number (PTIN). Paid preparers must sign the return and include their PTIN.

Red Flags the IRS Says to Avoid

The IRS calls tax return preparer fraud a common tax scam and highlights several warning signs.
Be cautious if a preparer:

Won’t sign your return (paid preparers are required to sign and include their PTIN)
Promises an unusually large refund before reviewing your full situation and documents
Charges fees based on the size of your refund rather than the complexity of the work
Asks you to sign a blank or incomplete return
Wants your refund deposited into their account instead of yours

If any of those happen, pause and get a second opinion.
For a local option, you can start with our Monroe-based perspective on working with tax professionals you can trust.

Questions to Ask Before You Hire a Tax Preparer

Here are straightforward questions you can ask during a phone call or consultation—especially if you’re hiring someone new.

Are you available after April? If I get an IRS letter or have questions, what does support look like?
How are your fees structured? Is it a flat fee, hourly, or based on forms? What’s included?
Do you e-file federal returns? Do you also help with direct deposit setup and confirmations?
What documents do you need from me? (A strong answer includes records/receipts, not estimates.)
Who will actually prepare my return? Will my return be handled by the same person who meets with me?
How do you handle bookkeeping if I’m a business owner? Can you help me clean up books before filing?
How do you protect sensitive information? What systems do you use for secure document sharing?

If you’re a business owner who’s still untangling transactions, this post may help: how to separate business and personal finances for easier tax reporting.

What to Bring to Your Tax Appointment

The goal is to make your appointment efficient and your return accurate. While every situation is different, here are common items to gather:

Income documents (W-2s, 1099s, K-1s, etc.)
Bank interest and investment statements (if applicable)
Receipts and records for deductible expenses (especially for business owners and self-employed taxpayers)
Prior-year tax return (helps provide continuity and catch missing items)
Identity and personal information needed for filing (as requested by your tax professional)
Any IRS letters you’ve received related to your account or prior returns

If you’re behind on your books and tax documents feel overwhelming, you’re not alone.
Read: how to catch up on bookkeeping without the stress (especially before tax time).

How Your Local Bookkeeper Helps Taxpayers and Small Businesses in Monroe, WA

At Your Local Bookkeeper, we help individuals and businesses with bookkeeping and tax prep so filing doesn’t turn into a last-minute scramble.
We’re based in Monroe, Washington, and we’ve been in the industry for 17+ years.

If you want to explore options, start with
our full list of bookkeeping, payroll, notary, and personal/business tax preparation services.
If you prefer a local, Monroe-first approach, visit
our page for local bookkeeping and tax preparation support in Monroe, Washington.
If you’d like to talk with our team, here’s the fastest next step:
schedule a bookkeeping and tax preparation appointment with our Monroe, WA office.
If you want to get to know us first, you can
learn more about our team and our 17+ years of tax and bookkeeping experience.

Ready to work with a tax pro who follows IRS best practices, communicates clearly, and supports you beyond filing day?

Schedule a tax preparation and bookkeeping consult in Monroe, WA.

FAQ

Do paid tax preparers have to have a PTIN?

Yes. The IRS states that anyone paid to prepare (or assist in preparing) federal tax returns must have a valid PTIN, and paid preparers must sign the return and include their PTIN.

Is it normal for a preparer to charge a percentage of my refund?

The IRS recommends avoiding preparers who base their fees on a percentage of the refund. Look for transparent pricing that reflects the work involved.

Why does e-filing matter?

The IRS encourages taxpayers to use preparers who offer IRS e-file. E-file (plus direct deposit and an accurate return) can speed processing and reduce errors.

What if I get an IRS letter after I file?

This is one reason the IRS recommends choosing a preparer who’s available after filing season.
If you’re looking for a team that can help you stay organized year-round, explore our year-round bookkeeping and tax support services.